Spacious Cabins & Scenic Train Rides: Unveiling America’s Most Underrated State Park
2025 is the yr of the Dupe. No, not dupe such as you’ll fall for the ol’ three-card Monte trick; dupe as in journey alternate options.
Onerous to consider it has been years because the pandemic was declared over, however one factor has develop into more and more clear to this present day — journey is again.
Whether or not it’s famend resorts bought out evening after evening, having to unnecessarily check bags, or being compelled to share selfies in what-should-be large open plains of nationwide or state parks, vacationers are embracing their sense of wanderlust all of the over the world, leaving the door open to find extra hidden gems.
On the subject of the U.S., one may argue Alaska is America’s least-explored state, however on the mainland, it is gotta be West Virginia, proper?
Recognized extra for its deeply rooted historical past of coal mining and longstanding tales of Appalachian folklore, those that have visited West Virginia sometimes come out the opposite facet shocked by how stunning the “Mountain State” actually is ,particularly being house to America’s most underrated state park.
West Virginia, Take Me…To Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Something beats counting bottles of beer on the wall, however let’s not even faux there’s a greater street journey track than Take Me Dwelling, Nation Roads.
We have all belted out West Virginia’s unofficial theme track at one level or one other, however hardly ever will we ever scope out the state itself for a pleasant, enjoyable getaway.
Full disclosure – West Virginia has typically discovered itself on the unsuitable facet of headlines as quite a few former coal mining hubs are nothing however ghost cities as of late, leaving locals dwelling in poverty in some circumstances, and holding the best demise fee for overdoses within the nation, based on the CDC.
These very headlines, together with darkish mysteries of Appalachia, have forged a shadow over the brilliant spots of West Virginia individuals have lengthy been lacking out on — considered one of them being Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
Those that have visited completely adore it! The park’s Google score stands at a powerful 4.7 out of 5, with one latest visitor claiming, “My household and I actually loved this journey. Lovely surroundings, educated employees. Good locations to remain close by and good locations to eat. There’s a lot to do. Lunch was supplied with our practice trip. 10/10 would suggest!”.
All Aboard The Cass Scenic RailRoad!
Positioned in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it city of Cass, this huge state park is house to breathtaking mountain vistas, historic forests, and mazes of mountain climbing trails to discover, however many go for the a scenic practice trip courtesy of Mountain Rail West Virginia, providing seasonal packages on the Cass Scenic Railroad all year long.
Better of all, come Could, the historic locomotive is bringing again 3 routes with beautiful views of waterfalls, lush wilderness, and rustic cities like Durbin nestled within the mountains.
These are Cass Scenic Railroad’s present excursions:
New Tygart Flyer (working April – November) –
TLC was unsuitable on this one; you will positively need to chase waterfalls. Get pleasure from snug, climate-controlled coaches, a cold-cut lunch, and gorgeous views of Excessive Falls of Cheat, the area’s dazzling pure marvel, together with flowing rivers, and sky-high bridges.
Waterfall excursions start Could 4, 2025.
Greenbriar Categorical (working Could – October) –
Aforementioned Durbin is the spotlight of this route. Departing from Cass, the Greenbrier Categorical presents a scenic journey to considered one of West Virginia’s most picturesque cities exuding timeless attraction with basic shops, Mother & Pop eateries, all backdropped by astounding wilderness of Monongahela Nationwide Forest.
Cass Bald Knob Journey (working Could – October) –
Hope you are not afraid of heights! This 4.5 hour trek to Bald Knob takes passengers upwards of two,300 toes for breathtaking views of Appalachian landscapes starting from spruce forests and staggering mountains as that is the second highest level in West Virginia.
Cass Whitaker Station (working Could – October) –
Taking 2 hours round-trip, visitors can hop aboard century-old trains and chug alongside scenic meadows and rolling hills, finally reaching Whitaker Station to deep dive into the realm’s historic logging operations.
This route features a 30 minute break to soak up sweeping views of the countryside and peruse the recreated logging camp and intriguing reveals.
Hire A Spacious Cabin
Tenting is not for everybody. That is why “glamping” has develop into extra standard, however who would ever flip down a cabin within the woods?
In truth, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s cabins may be one of the best of all as a result of they home as much as 14 individuals comfortably with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts.
These “cabins”, described as ‘restored firm homes’, have been previously quarters for loggers again within the day however now function actually distinctive stays to make your base for exploring the park or indulging within the delights of Cass’s small city attraction.
Homes can be found year-round and will be booked instantly here with charges beginning at $105 per evening this spring and upwards of $180 this summer time.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.